Why can't I book FP+ w/o a ticket?!

[MakiraMarlena]

because you have to confirm that you'll have park admission before you can book any attractions.

 

[AmyB2006]

I do understand why Disney has that rule because I am guessing people out in the world, without a life, would get a kick out of booking fast passes to clog up the system. What is the world coming to??

Well that could be, but personally, I think it's because (like with the way the old dining reservation system was set up), people would book FPs either "just in case" or book them with full intentions of going, and then something happens and they don't, and now how many FPs are booked up by people not intending to use them.

Could this still happen? Sure, but less likely if you already have tickets bought and paid for.

 

[OldsDr]

Because it is the "rule" of the FP+ system. Always has been.
And I personally think it is the correct way to do it. That includes the fact that I am an AP holder.

The reason for the rule is to avoid clogging up the system with people who are making reservations and not really planning on going.

 

[mm1971]

I know this has probably been asked before , but I can't find it any where. We are heading down for 3 days in Oct. We won't be able to get our tickets until we arrive. Why do I have to have a ticket to be able to book my FP+ options? Is there something I am missing?

I do have to say that I agree with the policy. If you don't have a ticket, why would you need a FP? makes sense from a simple point of view. Of course life is never that simple.

I do understand your problem and feel bad that you cannot book in advance. Is there a reason you can't get the tickets before arrival? From what I have heard, most attractions have FP available even on the morning you are booking. Hopefully that helps. Did you try to call them and ask? Do you have a room reservation? Doesn't hurt to ask if they'll make an exception with a good reason.

The system is still evolving. Maybe they'll allow limited bookings without a linked ticket at some point before your 60 day mark.

 

[Bullseye]

I think it's more due to the fact that their phrasing is 'FP+ is included with theme park admission.'

If you don't have theme park admission you don't have FP+.

That pretty much sums it up

Worse than just booking for every day of the year, a really unscrupulous person would create thousands of dummy accounts, book up every single FP for an attraction at a certain time, and then just sail through the standby line. Or keep a single FP for a legitimate account and have a 0 minute FP wait.

This sounds like a plan only Dr. Evil or Doofenshmirtz would think of.

 

[TDC Nala]

This sounds like a plan only Dr. Evil or Doofenshmirtz would think of.

The Fastpassinator.

 

[letsgoreds]

Why can't you link your tickets now?? I am a firm believer in where there is a will there is a way. Some questions need to be asked more than once to get the answer you want : )

Here's an example. I purchased tickets (really vouchers) from the Disney store to beat a price increase (had a lot of giftcards to use) and read everywhere (boards and Disney site) that I would need to go to customer service when I arrived and change my vouchers into tickets.

I had to call IT before our trip (they own the keys to the kingdom, and have all the power) because I had a duplicate person in MDE, and just casually asked about my vouchers. He immediately, no problem and linked away. It took 20 minutes of waiting, but well worth it!

Just call and ask...worst they can do is say No : )

 

[MAGICX2]

OP have you considered buying tickets before you leave, maybe from UT, expedia, Orbitz or direct from Disney?

Is there a reason you can't buy your tickets until you arrive?

Why can't you link your tickets now??

I can not get my tickets until I arrive because they will be purchased through a medical conference I am attending. You have to physically check into the conference before you are allowed to purchase the tickets. That is how they keep people from signing up for the conference, getting a discounted ticket and then not coming to conference, which I completely understand. We have a WDW resort reservation. We would like to use the FP+ system because our time in the parks will be limited and we want to ensure our favorite attractions are secured.

The fastpass system has always been connected with valid theme park tickets. Even with traditional fastpass you have to have a ticket, and insert it into the machine before it would spit out the fasspass.

I realize that, but there is a HUGE flaw in your theory. Before, with the paper FP, you have to ENTER THE PARK to get your FP. Not book it ahead of time. It was a bit more of an even playing field. One I personally prefer over this crazy FP+ online system.

I do have to say that I agree with the policy. If you don't have a ticket, why would you need a FP? makes sense from a simple point of view. Of course life is never that simple.

I do understand your problem and feel bad that you cannot book in advance. Is there a reason you can't get the tickets before arrival? From what I have heard, most attractions have FP available even on the morning you are booking. Hopefully that helps. Did you try to call them and ask? Do you have a room reservation? Doesn't hurt to ask if they'll make an exception with a good reason.
The system is still evolving. Maybe they'll allow limited bookings without a linked ticket at some point before your 60 day mark.

We do have a WDW resort reservation that is paid in full. I feel like if you have a resort reservation, paid in full, that you should have some kind of access to the FP+ system. There are a lot of instances where people can not purchase tickets until they arrive (Florida Resident, Conferences, Events, etc) but if they have a resort reservation they should have some access to the system, IMO.

 

[Hannathy]

It's also llike almost all offers, you can't stack perks. Free dining= rack rate, heavily discounted room= no free dining, etc.

Get a highly discounted ticket, give up the ability to pick your FP's early. Give up the highly discounted tickets and get the ability to pick your FP's earlier.

Disney is a business, doing only as much needed to attract the customer.

 

[mouseaddicts]

The Fastpassinator.

 

[AmyB2006]

We do have a WDW resort reservation that is paid in full. I feel like if you have a resort reservation, paid in full, that you should have some kind of access to the FP+ system. There are a lot of instances where people can not purchase tickets until they arrive (Florida Resident, Conferences, Events, etc) but if they have a resort reservation they should have some access to the system, IMO.

I do understand your frustration, but I, personally, disagree. There has to be a limit or a checks and balances system, and making sure people have valid admission, is the current way.

But you will have access to the system. As soon as you get your tickets you can link them and make FP+. There will still be options available, and if you don't like the options you get at first, check the morning of, right at park opening. There will most likely be more options available.

The only FP you are at risk of being shut out of is the A&E meet and greet.

 

[pigletto]

It would be nice if they are going to insist on having tickets beforehand, if you could upgrade tickets from home. I have 2 day tickets left over from a free dining package that I plan to upgrade when we get there. Not only has IT been unable to link them for some reason, but I can't add days until I get there so I can't choose any FP+ until arrival. It's a downer. I'm staying on property and using tickets purchased from Disney. I'd be more than happy to be able to pay now to make them 7 day tickets and add them to MDE. Can't be done.

ETA) To avoid all of this I purchased all new tickets for our December 2013 trip. I'm not doing that again. I've already paid for these two day tickets. How is it my fault that despite numerous calls that IT can't add them? It's a situational loophole, but it stinks when you are the one in it.